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Another Reason to Avoid the In-Room Coffee Maker
Quite often, hotel guests stay away from the in-room coffee because it either tastes like crap, the machine is difficult to figure out or worse yet, it costs money. But now there could be another reason to avoid the in-room coffee machines--they could really mess your hand up. From the NY Post:
Former Columbia University researcher Kristopher Karnauskas yesterday filed a $10 million suit against an Arizona hotel, claiming its percolator shattered in his hand, hurting him so badly he couldn't deliver a speech on global warming.
And what's more, the 27-year-old climate scientist claims he can no longer play his trumpet. His conflict with the carafe took place in January at a Phoenix Marriott, where he'd planned to deliver a speech on "The Response of the Equatorial Pacific Ocean to Global Warming."
A shard of glass severed a hand tendon, he said.
Thankfully, there's a new trend on the horizon in hotels to use Keurigs or other single-cup coffee makers in the rooms (see the Westin's Wakeup coffee maker) meaning we don't have to do deal with any glass percolators. But it will take a while for the big brands to get these installed in all of their rooms. Until then, you might be better off dragging yourself downstairs for a cup of coffee.
[Photo: LakersFan/TripAdvisor]
Tags: Hotel Hype / Kimpton Hotels / Hotel News / Phoenix Hotels / → All Tags
Hotel Palomar Phoenix Slated for a 2010 Opening
We were poking around the Kimpton new development page today (sidenote, dear Kimpton: please remove the Fairwind project that you told us was a no-go last week) when something caught our eye: A 250-room Hotel Palomar is planned for the downtown Phoenix area. Ohhh.
The hotel is slated to open its doors sometime in 2010, and is going up in a new mixed-use development called CityScape. The hotel will be part of a 34-story tower "at One South Central" (hehe, don't be a menace) and there will be 200 luxury residential condominium and retail space alongside the rooms.
This is actually the second Kimpton property in the area — Firesky has been representin' for a while already — and oh, by the way: we hear from the rumor mill that this was supposed to be the site of a proposed W Phoenix, but plans fell through and Kimpton snapped up the spot instead.
Tags: Hotel Amenities / Phoenix Hotels / Scottsdale Hotels / → All Tags
The Boulders Resort Sees the Glass as Half Full
It's a sign of the times: The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa's new turndown amenity is all about optimism. That's right, times have gotten so troubling that the Scottsdale resort seems to think their guests could use a few happy thoughts at bedtime — and apparently the Gideon Bible isn't cutting it anymore.
Instead, guests at the Boulders Resort find a copy of the book "Life is Good: Simple Words from Jake and Rocket." Though the goodwill is shared for free, guests also have the option of buying their copy and taking it with them in a pay-it-forward sort of way, since part of the profits are being donated to The Life is Good Kids Foundation, which supports charities dedicated to helping children who face unfair challenges.
Sure, it's a pretty touchy-feely turndown (and honestly, we'd probably still prefer a chocolate mint or even a sushi-inspired treat), but let's remember that the resort is located in — of all places — Carefree, Arizona.
Tags: Room Rate Drop Watch / Phoenix Hotels / Hotel Deals / → All Tags
It's Summer Right Now in Phoenix, Price-Wise
Turns out the W Scottsdale is not the only hotel in the Phoenix-area going through some rough times. The Arizona Republic reports that luxury hotels are offering their rooms at summer rates during the peak season--about 15 to 20 percent off their normal rates.
Hotels and resorts that routinely command $300 to $500 a night during the winter are on sale for 15 percent to 20 percent off, with some dangling rates of $199 a night and less on select dates, as well as previously unheard-of last-minute deals.
The fading Arizona Biltmore (recently snubbed by Prez Obama) has rooms open for $179 a night on Expedia. The new InterContinental Montelucia Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley (where Prez Obama stayed instead) has rates for $195 on Travelocity.
Tags: Political Hotels / Phoenix Hotels / John McCain / Barack Obama / → All Tags
Why Is Obama Snubbing the Arizona Biltmore?
The new InterContinental Montelucia
Fun fact: Every president since Herbert Hoover has stayed at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix. It's also where former presidential hopeful John McCain married Cindy in 1980, and, of course, where the McCain/Palin camp watched Obama secure the presidency on election night back in November.
It's not really any surprise that John McCain chose to avoid the Biltmore when selecting an Arizona venue to hold a fundraiser to launch his campaign for a fifth Senate term (maybe some bad memories there?), but hearing the news that President Obama is skipping out on the Biltmore on his next trip to AZ is raising eyebrows 'round here.
In fact, John McCain chose the new Intercontinental Montelucia Resort in Paradise Valley to kick off his senatorial campaign instead — and, interestingly enough, The Arizona Republic is reporting that this is also where Obama is going to be staying when he hits up Arizona. And their visits might coincide. Whoops.
We get why McCain's avoiding the Biltmore, but why would Obama choose the three-month-old Montelucia? Was it the dirty glasses at the Biltmore? Or was he just doin' like he do and breaking out of the traditional presidential mold?
Tags: HotelChatter Reader Deals / Hotel Deals / Sheraton Hotels / Phoenix Hotels / Hotel Opening Rates / Convention Center Hotels / → All Tags
HotelChatter Reader Deals :: The New Sheraton Phoenix Will Have Cheaper Rates in a Month
A New Hotel Gets Cheaper With Age
$171 a night
Regular readers of HotelChatter know how much we obsess over hotel openings and their introductory hotel opening rates. And today is no different.
The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown hotel will open on September 30th adjacent to the Phoenix Convention Center and it's going to be huge. Like a thousand rooms huge.
You would think with so many rooms they would probably be a little competitive on their pricing right? Not quite. Opening rates are set at $249 a night and that's the pre-paid internet rate.
However, if you can sit tight until the end of October that rate will drop to about $171 a night. We still think it's pricey for a Sheraton near a convention center but maybe we can find it for less on a blind booking site like Hotwire or Priceline. We'll let you know if we do.
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Tags: Rooftop Pools / Rooftop Bars / Hotel Pools / Phoenix Hotels / → All Tags
The Clarendon Hotel Opens Its Rooftop Bar as Phoenix Cools Down...Somewhat
When you live in Arizona in the summertime, the nighttime becomes your best friend. That's because the sun goes to sleep and you get a bit of relief from the 100+ degree heat. But not much. People would probably still prefer to kick it somewhere with AC than outside during the summer nights.
Yet, there's a sign that cooler weather is on the way.
We've written about the amazing pool area, called the Oasis, at the Clarendon Hotel before (and it's bikini check-in) and now the hotel has opened it's Rooftop Lounge in anticipation for cooler nights in Phoenix.
The lounge will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, with additional hours added as temperatures drop. The rooftop features a full bar and seating with views across the midtown landscape.
Stop. You had us at full bar. We just hope you have a lot of ice.
Aside from the full bar we are kinda giddy about the $149 Sweet Suite Summer Special which includes a $75 dining credit. While it probably sucks to live in Phoenix in the summer, it's a cheap getaway for us hotel guests.
Tags: Hotel Delays / W Hotels / Hotel Construction / Starwood Hotels / Phoenix Hotels / → All Tags
Way to Go, W :: W Scottsdale Delayed Yet Again
HotelChatter Presents The W Hotel and Residences Scottsdale: A Play in Four Acts.
Act One: The W Scottsdale is supposed to open on March 20th. Fail.
Act Two (January): The W Scottsdale will be open in Late Spring. Plot twist: a new sushi restaurant, Sushi Roku, is announced. Oooohh... but fail.
Act Three (February): The W Scottsdale will be open May 27th. But...wait for it...FAIL.
Act Four (today): The W Scottsdale will be open September 5th. The delay is due to "setbacks."
Yawn. This is the most boring play ever.
Listen, dudes: what is going on over there? If you're going to keep delaying the opening, at least give us some juicy gossip or a hint of drama to keep us on the edge of our seats.
"Setbacks?" Psssh, whateva. Give us some drama or give us a real opening date.
Tags: Phoenix Hotels / Hotel News / Hotel Service / Free Stuff / → All Tags
Free Stuff For Guests Who Check-In Wearing a Bikini at The Clarendon Hotel
We don't know about you, but the only time you'll catch us in a bathing suit is when there is a large body of water around. Otherwise, it's cover-up city. Matthew McConaughey we are not.
Evilly, the Clarendon Hotel and Suites Phoenix seems to be playing on this weakness with another of our weaknesses: free stuff. Through the end of the summer, the hotel is offering Bikini Check-In, where guests who check in wearing a bikini, swim trunks or a Speedo receive a $20 credit for poolside service, room service or use at the hotel's Mexican restaurant.
One look at The Oasis, the Clarendon's swimming pool with underwater speakers, massaging water jets, 50-person Jacuzzi, sun beds and free poolside Wi-Fi and suddenly we don't feel so shy. Excuse us while we slip into something a little more revealing, head to the pool and finish the workday with our laptop and a mai tai by our side.
Tags: Historic Hotels / Phoenix Hotels / Desert Retreats / Political Hotels / Waldorf-Astoria Collection / → All Tags
Stay Where Every President Has Gone Before
Here's a bit of hotel trivia for you: The term "presidential suite" came from the European tradition of "royal suites," but, as we don't have royals (no, the Kennedy's don't count), we termed the best room in the house the Presidential Suite.
In other words, it has nothing to do with whether a president has stayed there or not. Yet, while most hotels use the term as misnomer, not proof of political pedigree, the Presidential Suite at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa can use the title quite literally. Every U.S. president since Herbert Hoover has stayed in the Suite while in office.
Tags: Valentine's Day Hotels / Phoenix Hotels / Hotel Packages / Super Bowl XLII Hotels / → All Tags
The Giants Will Be Sleeping in One of the World's Sexiest Hotels
The other week we mentioned where the Giants were shacking up for the Super Bowl but we had no idea that it was at one of the "World's 100 Sexiest Hotels"? At least, according to rankings by the website Sexiest Hotels Inc.
So if you're the ultimate Giant fan and you're looking for a romantic getaway, then you should hit up The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, which is offering a sensuous special for V-Day.
First up, choose one of Aji Spa's treatments, such as the Honey Rose Body Wrap or the Aromatherapy Companion Massage. However, we would probably prefer The Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Pedicure, which includes a chocolate foot masque followed by a strawberry-body-butter massage -- all the while sampling your own chocolate-dipped strawberries and sipping a glass of champagne. Mmm...
Of course, once properly pampered, guests are encouraged to get a room. And not just any room.
The Wild Horse Pass "True Love and Truffles" room package includes an overnight stay for two, the Bed of Roses rose-petal turndown service (which sounds cheesy but chicks dig it), as well as a special room delivery of champagne and truffles. Make it a late-nighter and take advantage of the resort's 4 p.m. late checkout the following afternoon (based on availability). Rates at the 500-room AAA four-diamond start at $475 per night.
[Photo: UtopianDreaming]
Tags: Super Bowl Hotels / Super Bowl XLII Hotels / Phoenix Hotels / → All Tags
Still Some Lodging Options Open for Super Bowl XLII
Know somewhere with open hotel rooms for Super Bowl weekend in Phoenix? Leave available Super Bowl hotel rooms in comments.
-->Check up to the minute Phoenix Super Bowl hotel rates here!
Many Super Bowl-goers have already forked out thousands for tickets and travel -- so what's a few grand more?
Ebay has several high-priced options for those with fat wallets. For example, one can have 4 nights at the "beautiful Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Phoenix" for a mere $2499. Empassy Suites is only a few miles from downtown and about 10 miles from the stadium. And sold out. But hurry -- this deal expires in a little over 2 days.
Over at Craigslist, there's more pricey options galore. For about 15 grand, you can spend Super Bowl week in "Castle Mansion". This castle boasts 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a theatre room, pool with Jacuzzi spa and waterfall.
And finally...(drumroll)... Located in the newly constructed Summit at Copper Square high-rise in downtown Phoenix, this million-dollar luxury rental defies comparison. Of course, it has the price tag to prove it.
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